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Lloyd Oliver Obituary

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) - A member of an elite group of Marines who developed a code based on their native language during World War II has died.

Lloyd Oliver's death Wednesday means that only one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers survives.

Oliver's nephew, Lawrence, says his uncle died at a hospice center in the Phoenix suburb of Avondale, where he had been staying for about three weeks. He was 88 years old.

Hundreds of Navajos followed in their footsteps of the original 29, sending thousands of messages without error on Japanese troop movements, battlefield tactics and other communications critical to the war's ultimate outcome.

Navajo President Ben Shelly has ordered flags lowered across the reservation from Friday through Monday in honor of Oliver.

CAMP VERDE, Ariz. (AP) - A member of an elite group of Marines who developed a code based on their native language during World War II has died.

Lloyd Oliver's death Wednesday means that only one of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers survives.

Oliver's nephew, Lawrence, says his uncle died at a hospice center in the Phoenix suburb of Avondale, where he had been staying for about three weeks. He was 88 years old.

Hundreds of Navajos followed in their footsteps of the original 29, sending thousands of messages without error on Japanese troop movements, battlefield tactics and other communications critical to the war's ultimate outcome.

Navajo President Ben Shelly has ordered flags lowered across the reservation from Friday through Monday in honor of Oliver.

Guest Book Highlights

"Granpa I wish that we had spent more time together. We will always keep you in are hart. You will be very missed"- Yvonne Ojeda (South gate, CA)

"We love and miss u Grandpa Lloyd .. Your memories and wisdom carry on in our family. You have brought our family great honor.. You will always be remembered in our hearts and minds. Love your grandaughter Olivia Oliver and great grandaughter Angel."- Olivia Oliver (Maricopa, AZ)

"Lloyd, the Creator greets you as we earthlings say our goodbye. You have lived your life in such a way that you can hold your head high on your last sunset. Thank you, from a white woman who has the heart of the red skin (prophecy), for the..."

"Rest In Paradise grandpa. I'm glad you were able to meet my son. I'll always share your memory and keep you in our thoughts. From you grand daughter, Baycee"- Baycee Valenzuela (Fontana, CA)

"R.I.P You've earned it. You and your brother Navajo are what helped make this country great. May your courage and dedication live on in the "Corps." Semper-Fi Marine.I salute you. R.Vogeler"